Summer Fun For Families In Baltimore

Summer is a great time to give kids a chance to try different activities and learn something new. From outdoor recreation, to community events to visiting historical and cultural attractions, there are endless opportunities for family fun in Baltimore. Here are some suggestions of things to do with the whole family this summer.

FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Every summer Baltimore hosts a lively schedule of free outdoor concerts throughout the city. Grab some friends, a lawn chair or blanket, and something cool to drink and enjoy free, live music in Baltimore's backyard.

Belvedere Square Summer Sounds Concerts
WTMD First Thursdays Concerts in the Park
Cantastic Summer Concert Series at The Can Company
Summer Socials at West Shore Park
Friends of Patterson Park Concert Series

FREE OUTDOOR FILMS
Fireworks won’t be the only excitement lighting up the night sky this week. Summer movie season is in full swing, which means outdoor screens are popping up around Charm City. Grab a blanket and don’t forget the popcorn. Films begin around sunset, and here’s a bonus: all this al fresco entertainment is free.

Little Italy Open Air Film Fest
Flicks from the Hill - AVAM Outdoor Theatre - Federal Hill
Films on the Pier - Fells Point Broadway Pier

FARMERS MARKETS
Satisfy your culinary curiosity at one of Baltimore's many farmers' markets. From the small, locally owned stands, to the large and lively market with rows of growers and extensive selections, "good eats" are always just around the corner. When it comes to fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats and more, the farmers' markets in Baltimore are the perfect place to locate some fabulous food finds for everyone in the family!

Maryland State Dept of Agriculture Statewide Farmers Market Listings
About Baltimore City Farmers Markets
Map of Baltimore's Farmers Markets with Hours and Locations

YOUTH B'MORE SUMMER BLOCK PARTIES
The Baltimore City Youth Commission sponsors Youth B'more Summer Block Parties, featuring activities for children and families in the community. Join us to bring the community together by engaging the youth, Baltimore City, and community-based agencies! This summer’s block parties will feature entertainment by Shadina, Dom Trunk, DJ AngelBaby and Steven Drakes, to name a few.

Thursday, July 24 – 2500 Block Lauretta Ave., 7pm-10pm
Saturday, July 26 – Mund Park, 2367 Boone St., 12pm-6pm
Thursday, July 31 – Druid Hill Park Pool, 800 Wyman Park Drive, 11am-2pm
Thursday, August 7 – 3466-3498 Elmley Ave., 7pm-10pm
Tuesday, August 12 – Cherry Hill, 1000 Bethune Road, 7pm-10pm
Thursday, August 14 – 1311 N. Gilmor Street, 7pm-10pm
Tuesday, August 19 – Poe Homes "Mayor's Public Safety Initiative," Location TBA, 7pm-10pm
Saturday, August 23 – 4200 block Parkside Drive, noon-3pm
Saturday, August 23 – Tivoly Ave. and 28th St., 7pm-10pm

Community Calendar

Artscape
July 18-20, 11:00 am-9:00 pm, Mt. Royal Avenue and Station North. Artscape is America's largest free arts festival, attracting 350,000+ attendees over three days. Artscape features 150+ fine artists, fashion designers and craftspeople; visual art exhibits on and off-site, including exhibitions, outdoor sculpture, art cars, photography and the Janet & Walter Sondheim Prize; incredible live concerts on outdoor stages; a full schedule of performing arts including dance, opera, theater, film, experimental music and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; family events such as hands-on projects, demonstrations, competitions, children's entertainers and street theater; and a delicious, international menu of food and beverages that is available throughout the festival site. artscape.org

Traffic Advisory for Artscape 2014

GO Northwest HRC Homebuyer Workshop: The Basics of Buying a Home
Saturday, July 19, 8:45-3:00pm, Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, 2812 Reisterstown Rd. FREE Workshop, FREE Parking!! GO Northwest can help you navigate through the process of buying a new home. Housing counselors offer practical advice on increasing your credit score, saving for your moving costs, and put you in contact with several realtors and lenders. You must pre-register to attend the event www.go-northwesthrc.org OR 410-947-0084x105

Curfew Law Community Forums
Monday, July 21, 7pm, Morgan State University, Murphy Fine Arts Center, 2210 Argonne Drive.
Tuesday, July 29, 7pm, University of Baltimore Law Center Moot Court, 1401 N Charles St., entrance on Mt Royal Ave. Join Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Police Commissioner Anthony Batts to learn about the new curfew law and what it will mean for young people in Baltimore. For more information, contact curfew@baltimorecity.gov.

Mayor’s Public Safety Forum - Northern Police District
Wednesday, July 23, 7 pm, Loyola University, McGuire Hall, Andrew White Student Center, 2nd floor, 4501 N. Charles St. Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Police Commissioner Batts will engage with residents and address their concerns regarding homicides, shootings, and violent crime, as well as other issues in their communities that indirectly impact public safety. Residents will also hear directly from the administration about efforts currently underway to eliminate violent criminal activity and learn about ways they can help make Baltimore safer.

Baltimore Data Day
Friday, July 25, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (Opening Session & Keynote, July 24), UB William H. Thumel Sr. Business Center, 11 W. Mount Royal Avenue. The Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance presents the 5th annual Baltimore Data Day: Using Indicators for Community Change, in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Initiative Reverse Research Day. This one-day conference will help community leaders expand their ability to use technology and data for the improvement of Baltimore's neighborhoods. Baltimore Data Day brings together community organizations, nonprofit agencies, civic and faith-based institutions, and government entities. The conference is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required. For more information, visit bniajfi.org.

Liberty Reservoir Day
Saturday, July 26, 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Liberty Dam, Liberty Dam Road, 21104. Celebrate Liberty Reservoir at this FREE event! Watch the Chesapeake Search Dogs in action, listen to live music, enjoy environment exhibits and talks, food vendors, emergency vehicle displays, scales and tales wildlife, historic photos, face painting, giveaways, and the observation deck at the reservoir. For more information go to www.baltimorecity.gov or call 410-545-6541.